Rolex Precision 18ct 1958 36mm, Oversize

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the company became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving to its new Geneva headquarters in 1919. The success of the wristwatch can be largely attributed to many of Rolex’s innovations which made the company one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These have included its famous “Oyster” case — the world’s first water-resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and its “Perpetual” — the world’s first reliable, self-winding movement for the wristwatch, launched in 1933. These would form the foundation for Rolex’s Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956. Also and equally importantly, Rolex is known for its sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

Description

A rare, 18ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1958. Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes in the 1950s, starting at 30mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The majority were 32 and 33mm with some 34mm, but very rarely, Rolex or their UK case makers produced 35mm models and even rarer 36mm, such as the example we see here. These ‘Oversize’ watches are highly sought after because the seemingly small difference in diameter, adds significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch.

This is also a rare 18ct example as the majority of Rolex Precisions were made in 9ct gold. This watch also has a particularly rare and attractive dial.

The Dial

The ivory cream dial carries applied gilt ‘Arrowhead’ and Stud hour indices, along with the applied Rolex Coronet at ’12’ with the Rolex signature below. This very clean and simple design is one of the most attractive and elegant of all the oversize Rolex Precision dials. The dial is framed by an outer minutes and seconds track which is subdivided into fifths, giving the dial a slightly more technical look.

The original restored ‘Index’ hands are in tip-top original condition and a new original lens has been fitted as part of the restoration of this watch.

This is the original dial which has been sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 1210, 17 Jewels movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in spectacularly good condition. Our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker has just completed a full overhaul and service of the movement which means it has been completely dismantled, cleaned, inspected under high magnification, and then rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required. After final testing and calibration immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within +4 seconds per day, which is truly outstanding for a vintage watch of this age! This movement also has a power reserve of 58 hours.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA’ ‘Geneva Swiss’ and ‘17 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 1210. The movement also carries the reference number 43227.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use should you so wish. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 – 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.

Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

This highly elegant 18ct gold, wide bezel case, measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the original, signed Rolex crown, making this one of the very rare, largest, Oversize Rolex Precisions. The watch case has been beautifully well cared for, therefore after careful inspection, has simply required a clean and gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition. The watch case is in immaculate condition and even the case-back looks pristine.

No matter how closely you examine the case, it shows no signs of anything more than very light and careful use.

The case is Swiss Made by Rolex and inside the case-back, all is signed correctly and as expected with the earlier Rolex scroll signature, Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the Rolex model number 8940. Externally, the case-back also carries the case serial number 531002 and the Rolex Coronet branding. This is nice to see as it shows the case has seen light use and has not been over-polished.

The case-back is tightly fitting and presses back with a solid and reassuring ‘pop’. It is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

This watch carries Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks rather than UK, so this makes it difficult to be precise regarding its date of manufacture. However, based on all of its markings, and the style of the case and dial, we would estimate the date of this watch to be between 1957 and 1959.

As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality brown leather strap has been fitted, along with a matching gold plated Rolex buckle. We feel the clean and simple look of this strap suits the watch very well. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps here if you wish.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to circa 1958.

A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of the watch, will be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund, at any time”.

The matching vintage Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first-class example of a 1950s 18ct Rolex Precision which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile. Or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.